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Color Computer 2
The CoCo2 was released in September of 1983. The catalog number was was 26-3026 for a 16K version with standard Color BASIC and it was listed in Radio Shack catalogs at $239.95 (A 64K CoCo 1, #26-3005, listed for $199). The case was a bit smaller than the original CoCo, very similar to the TDP-100. The keyboard was much better than the original CoCo "chicklet" keyboard. They were lower profile than typical modern PC keyboards and the keys were recessed in the center, giving them a "melted" look. The circuit boards were revised to be a bit smaller than previous models and were equipped to run a full 64K. 26-3027 was the number for a 16K Extended Color BASIC model, which was listed for $319.95. A full 64K Extended Color BASIC model (26-3003) retailed for $399.95. A 64K RAM upgrade (26-3017) was "only" $149, and the Extended BASIC ROM upgrade was $79.95, making the $399.95 26-3003 a relative bargain (add the ROM and RAM upgrade to a 16K basic model the total price was $468.90).
Prices dropped quickly. In mid 1984 RS cut the price for the 16K standard model to $159.95 and the 16K Extended BASIC model to $199.95. Production then shifted from Tandy's US plant to a Korean subcontractor. Those models appeared in mid 1984 at the same prices as the previous models, with new model numbers and revised circuit boards. For Christmas 1984 prices were reduced -- $99.95 for a standard Color BASIC 16K model (31-3134), $139.95 for 16K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3136), and $199.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC (31-3127). Prices continued to drop as the home computer market got very competitive and IBM PC clones started coming down in price.
To put these prices in perspective, the new for 1985 Tandy 1000, which was an IBM PC clone (actually an enhanced IBM PC Jr. clone that could be upgraded to standard IBM PC specs) was listed at $1199 with 128K RAM and a single 360K floppy drive. An RF modulator could be purchased ($24.95) to use a stnadard TV as a display (limited to 40 columns) or a digital $159.95 monochrome/$549.95 color monitor could be used. The CoCo 2 was a relative bargain, although there were a few IBM clones that could be purchased a bit cheaper than the Tandy 1000. In 1987 the Tandy 1000SX was priced at $849 with 384K of RAM and one 360K floppy drive.
The final CoCo2 was listed in the 1987 Tandy catalog for only $99.95 with 64K and Extended Color BASIC.